April 2005

Victor Powell

What will you spend your $25 on? My lists seem 2 grow each time I visit, so I’ll probably buy comics or a Unique ART book.

How long have you been visiting TATE’S? I haven’t been to his place, but he visited my home/studio one time to see my original oil painting “Muscle 4 Sale” Which he sells a poster of at the store. …oh, wait-a-minute you meant me frequenting “Tate’s, the store”? Since November of 1996.

How old are you?I’m 44, look 34, feel 24 and act 14.

How do you make a living? A Full Time Artist and Illustrator for 27 years now. (which can mean almost any kind of artist) so I’ll elaborate. Cartoons, Portraits, Commercial Illustration and Medical Art are counted among my specialties. I was a technical illustrator back in the days before computers helped do the work, a medical illustrator for a major teaching Hospital in Texas for 8 years, and have always drawn cartoons and comic book style art ever since I can remember. My last big gig was to paint all of the murals at Wannado City in Sawgrass Mall. Currently I’m back working on my series of oil paintings which I sell as prints and postcards. These new works emphasize on images that are thought provoking, one-of-a-kind and ultimately fun to look at. Paintings and drawings intended to grab someone’s attention, make them smile or evoke a positive response. My passion is telling stories in my paintings with a humorous slant – where reality and fantasy combine. And since we live in the 21st century – adding a modern edge ties it all together. My goal is to invite the viewers into a world they have never seen which is completely my creation, yet they can relate to.

If you could do ANYTHING, how would you make a living?I would still be an artist, except maybe have done more oil paintings of my own ideas. Cuz after working 4 so many years for other companies – doing their bidding, we tend to not create for ourselves and stagnate.

Do you have any pets? What are their names? None at this time (I’ve had three in the past) except,… I do have a 26 year old Pet Rock (it’s really a plaster of paris dog sculpture that looks like a fagged-out Dog-Tired pooch sunken into the floor) … hey, it fools the drunk people.

Do you have any tattoos? No.

What was you favorite toy as a child? — Now?When I was a kid… Legos, dinosaurs and army men; as an adult, my computer.

What is your most bizarre childhood memory?It’s just too bizarre to tell, and I would have to track down all of Tate’s web visitors by IP Address, and secretly erase all of their pertinent memories.

What is the one thing that irritates you the most?Gosh, do I have to pick only one? Well then it would have to be when people talk on their cell phones LOUD, like they’re talking to you and everyone else in the nearby. And since we’re on the subject – people that answer their phones during a Movie in the theater, and say stupid things like “Oh, nothing,… I’m at the movies right now, What are U up to?”

What is your favorite smell? The sweet smell of success.

What do you collect? I’ve collected Comics since 1972 (all kinds but mostly superhero), Art Books, Original Art, thoughts, Antiques, vintage toys, Superhero Statues, memories, and Videos (of which I’ll never find the time to view them all).

Favorite Comic/Manga?If I had to pin it down I’d say my favorite comic character would be Spider-Man. But really I collect all sorts, mainly for the incredible art and illustrations. Anything by these polished artists; Arthur Adams, Terry & Rachel Dodson, Adam Hughes, Jim Lee, Doug Mahnke, Ed McGuinnes.

Favorite Cartoon? “Teenage Mutant Ninja Sponge Bob”

Favorite Movie? I couldn’t possibly just name one – so I’ll give an eclectic list… It’s a Wonderful Life (cuz it’s so touching), Crumb (a guilty pleasure), Groundhog Day (it was real funny the first time – or was that the 8th time?), BraveHeart, Spider-Man 3 (I’ve had a bootleg copy since I don’t know when), Predator, Rocky, Enter the Dragon.

What is your favorite bumper sticker? There’s no such thing as a good bumper sticker. But let me tell you about my idea for a shoe sole sticker, you see – when you are walking behind someone you could read it as they stepped forward,… the really clever people would have 2 (one on each sole) It’s not like anyone would be distracted while reading the inane verbage.

Favorite websites? There are so many cool websites to see and amaze at, I couldn’t possibly just give you my favorites, But I think Tates viewers might like a couple of these:www.yugop.com - this guy is from Japan and has won every major award for flash webdesign imaginable; www.donatoart.com - Donato Giancola is one of the finest Science Fiction and Fantasy artists; www.joecartoon.com - pretty silly cartoons animated in flash.

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